A cameraman with the best seat in the house

Mike Hutton comes to the cricket every day but ends up sitting alone. He’s only a “moderate” cricket fan, whose “main sport” is tennis, but he has a job to do and that requires him to come to cricket grounds. He needs to cover himself more than the others – today he was clothed in four layers of shirts and three layers of trousers – to combat the weather.

Hutton, who is a SKY Sports cameraman, watches the game from 200 feet above ground level, capturing the moments of a Test for television. It’s a view that’s used to show fielding positions and close run-out calls. Hutton can also view all the replays the other cameras have captured at a click of a button.

Hutton, 55, has been doing the job for a number of years now but he continues to enjoy every moment of it. “It’s the best seat in the house because I feel very much part of the action.” Any disadvantages? “It’s a bit cold up there, and you’re very much alone.”

Trent Bridge is one of his favourite grounds. “It’s a great view out there - Nottingham is beautiful with the hills, river Trent and the airport,” he says cheerily looking skywards. The ground authorities at Lord’s don’t allow cranes, which means Hutton hasn’t had an aerial view there, but thinks it might be an experience to cherish.

The lunch break is nearing its end and Hutton, almost like a mountaineer, sets off on his long climb once again.